The City of Vancouver has released the City’s Protocol Manual, a document that outlines the courtesies and steps protocol officers will take to welcome visiting heads of state and dignitaries from over 80 countries to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The City’s protocol training program marks the first time Games partners have come together to offer a centralized protocol service for visitors to an Olympic Games. The City of Vancouver led the development of the program and provided training to about 200 Government of Canada (including the RCMP VIP detail), Province of BC, Richmond, Whistler, VANOC and Four Host First Nations protocol staff.
The manual covers the international standards for hosting heads of state, royalty and other dignitaries. It includes appropriate greetings, ways to address elected officials and dignitaries, the placement of flags, speaking order at events, event planning and other etiquette tips.
The City of Vancouver led the development of the training materials and delivered the training to the protocol officers. The City’s protocol team is recognized as one of the most experienced in the country. More than 50 City of Vancouver staff will support the protocol program aided by another 150 personnel from the federal and provincial governments, venue municipalities of Richmond and Whistler, VANOC and the Four Host First Nations.
A copy of the manual can be found on the City of Vancouver website: http://vancouver.ca/mediaroom/pdf/CoVProtocalManual. pdf
